Neptune in astrology

The discovery of Neptune happened more-or-less by accident. Uranus, already discovered in

1781, was noted as moving in a rather erratic fashion, i.e., not following its predicted path.
Something was presumably pulling it out of position. The mathematicians, Le Verrier and J.C.
Adams worked out where this new planetary body must be. Le Verrier was only 2.5 degrees
out. J Galle then discovered Neptune as a result of using Le Verrier's calculations. The
deviating force came from Neptune, which was finally sighted by Galle. Neptune's orbit
around the Sun has the appearance of a minor deviating circle, and she can be considered
as a heightened Venus.

Its orbit lasts 164.8 years. The equatorial diameter is 30,200 miles (48,600 kms). Its volume
is approximately 60 times that of Earth's. Through a telescope with an enlargement of 300
times, Neptune can be seen as a small disc.

When Zeus became king of the gods, he gave an empire to each of his brothers. All of the
sea was made subject to Poseidon/Neptune. The ocean represents an unknown world of
existence, yet the source of physical life. It is hard to classify Neptune not only in mythology,
but in astrology as well. In the world of Poseidon/Neptune there are still many opportunities,
but they can be difficult to grasp.

Neptune is sometimes considered to be a higher octave of Venus. This planet represents the
psychic visionary gateway to higher realms. As it is very difficult to absorb and express this
energy via the limitations of the surface conscious mind, it often appears as mystical,
inspiring fantasy or diffusing reality. It is the unripened fantasy that gives Neptune its "Veil
of Illusion" characteristic. For some, the inability to cope with physical reality forces a self-
induced isolation. In the zodiac, Neptune is attached to the sign of Pisces.

Neptune stays approximately 14 years in one sign and should be considered from a
generational standpoint. It will, of course, have a special characteristic if it is aspected by
any of the primary planets--the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus or Mars. Neptune's energy is
significantly enhanced if it is positioned close to the Ascendant, Midheaven (MC), or in the
twelfth house.